Virtual Network Computing (VNC) allows you to remotely access and control computers over the internet. VNC works by installing a VNC server on the remote computer you want to access, and a VNC client on the local computer you will use to connect to the remote system.
VNC is available for many platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android. This makes it easy to set up remote access between computers, servers, and mobile devices.
In this guide, we will cover how to set up VNC to connect from an Android device to a remote computer, so you can access your desktop applications, files, and more on the go from your phone or tablet.
Table of Contents
Installing a VNC Server on the Remote Computer
The first step is to install VNC server software on the remote computer you want to access. Some options for VNC servers include:
- RealVNC – Easy to set up and cross-platform. Works on Windows, Mac, Linux.
- TightVNC – Open source VNC server for Windows and Linux.
- TigerVNC – Advanced open source VNC server for Linux and UNIX.
Once installed, the VNC server will run as a background process, allowing inbound connections from VNC clients.
Make sure the VNC server is configured to accept connections from other computers on your network or from the internet. By default most VNC servers only accept local connections.
Installing a VNC Client on Android
There are many great VNC client apps available for Android. Some top options include:
- RealVNC – Official client for RealVNC servers. Easy to set up.
- bVNC – Full-featured open source VNC client. Supports encryption and SSH tunneling.
- AndroidVNC – Simple open source VNC client. Works well for basic VNC access.
Install your preferred VNC client app on your Android device. Most VNC apps are free or have free versions available.
Connecting to the VNC Server
Once you have a VNC server set up on the remote computer and a VNC client installed on your Android device, you can connect them:
- Launch the VNC client app on your Android device
- Enter the IP address and port number for your VNC server
- The default port for VNC is 5900
- Enter the password if your VNC server is password protected
- The VNC client will connect and show you the remote desktop
- You can now access applications, files, and control the remote computer!
Most VNC apps make it easy to save connection details for servers you access frequently.
Tips for Using VNC on Android Effectively
Here are some tips for getting the best experience using VNC from your Android device:
- Use over local WiFi whenever possible – VNC will be much faster over a local network than the internet
- Enable encryption in the VNC server and client for better security
- Lower quality settings in the VNC client to improve speed over slower connections
- Use a stylus for easier control and navigation if your Android device supports it
- Use the virtual keyboard to type on the remote computer easily from your Android device
- Enable “tap-to-click” mode so you can tap to click buttons and menus instead of using an on-screen mouse cursor
VNC Use Cases
There are many great ways to use VNC on Android to remotely access other computers:
- Access your home or work computer on the go for file access or to use applications remotely
- Administer servers and other headless computers from the convenience of your mobile device
- Provide remote support and assistance to other users by connecting through VNC
- Use your powerful desktop computer applications on your Android device by running them remotely through VNC
With the steps covered in this guide, you should now be able to get VNC set up between your Android device and computers running a VNC server. VNC makes it easy to access your desktop applications, files, and control computers remotely from anywhere!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is VNC secure to use over the internet?
A: VNC sends data without encryption by default, so it’s recommended to only use VNC over a secure local network or VPN connection for security. For internet use, enable encryption in your VNC server and connect via SSH tunneling whenever possible.
Q: Why is VNC slow over the internet?
A: VNC sends a lot of visual data which requires high network bandwidth for good performance. Internet connections tend to have slower speeds and higher latency which degrades VNC’s responsiveness. Lower quality settings and reducing color depth can improve performance over slower connections.
Q: Can I transfer files through VNC?
A: Most VNC clients support basic file transfer capabilities, allowing you to copy files between the remote computer and your Android device storage. This allows you to access your documents on the go via VNC.
Q: Is VNC free?
A: There are many free and open source VNC servers and clients available. Popular options like RealVNC also offer paid versions with additional features and support. But free VNC software tends to work very well for basic remote access needs in most cases.
Conclusion
VNC is a great way to access your computers remotely from Android devices. With a VNC server set up on the remote computer and a VNC client app installed on your Android phone or tablet, you can connect over local WiFi or the internet to work with your desktop applications, files, and control the computer from anywhere.
Enable encryption and reduce quality settings whenever possible to maximize security and responsiveness when accessing VNC from Android over slower internet connections. With some basic setup, VNC allows you to stay productive from your Android device.
